The newly introduced AC services have replaced existing non-AC suburban trains, ensuring that the overall number of weekday suburban services across the Mumbai Division remains unchanged at 1,820. According to Central Railway, the decision was taken following sustained passenger demand for additional air-conditioned local train services.
Among the 12 upgraded services are three peak-hour trains, including the 6:46 am Titwala-CSMT local, the 9:16 am Ghatkopar-CSMT local and the 7:18 pm CSMT-Kalyan local. The remaining nine AC services have been scheduled during the late morning, afternoon, evening and night, extending the availability of air-conditioned travel beyond traditional peak hours. These upgraded services will also operate on routes connecting Kurla and CSMT, Thane and CSMT, and Kalyan and Kurla.
Central Railway stated that the upgraded AC trains will operate from Monday to Saturday. On Sundays and designated public holidays, the same services will continue to run with non-air-conditioned train sets.
The latest expansion follows the introduction of AC local services on the Harbour line on January 26, 2026. The Harbour line network was further strengthened with the addition of 14 more AC services from May 1.
According to Central Railway data, the Harbour line AC services recorded a 64.97 per cent increase in passenger ridership following the May expansion. The number of passengers increased from 2.34 lakh to 3.86 lakh, while revenue rose by 66.43 per cent during the same period, increasing from Rs 1.18 crore to Rs 1.96 crore.
Meanwhile, Central Railway's Mumbai Division has intensified ticket-checking drives in AC local trains and at railway stations to curb ticketless travel and ensure that genuine ticket-holding passengers are able to use the premium services without inconvenience.
The expansion of AC suburban services marks another major step in enhancing commuter comfort across Mumbai's railway network while responding to growing passenger demand. At the same time, stricter ticket enforcement is aimed at protecting premium services and improving the overall travel experience for legitimate passengers.
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